It’s a digital world, and even if you don’t consider yourself to be a technology expert, chances are you’ve posted your resume online. If it’s not getting the response you’d like, maybe it’s not what you’ve done...maybe it’s what you haven’t done.
Format it. - You can insert all sorts of fancy graphics and make your resume look like a work of art, but that’s not going to get it noticed. As someone who looks at hundreds of resumes each and every day, I’m looking for skills that match what my clients need, not fancy graphics.
Add keywords. Most recruiters utilize an applicant tracking system that matches and downloads resumes based on keywords. The more keywords in your resume, the more likely it will catch my eye. The best keywords are specific. Instead of saying that you have experience with word processing software, mention Microsoft Word by name.
Avoid grammatical errors. Most resumes have to be reformatted before they are submitted, and all those errors add time to the process. A “clean” resume can be reformatted quickly and easily. An error-riddled one takes additional time. The most productive recruiters may simply decide that yours is not worth the trouble. Before posting yours, run it through a grammar and punctuation checker like Grammarly.com and clean it up.
Add focus. Recruiters are looking for the best fit. A resume that is too broad or general will almost never be chosen. Be specific in terms of what you’re good at, and what you want to do.
Promote it. You may not think of yourself as a sales and marketing expert, but if you don’t do it, nobody will. If you’re not sure what to do, click the Subscribe button at the top of the page. In my next article, I’ll share five secrets that will result in your resume being seen.
Note: The views expressed in this article are soley my own and do not reflect those of BCforward or any affiliated company or customer.
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